Cumbrian artist is inspiring people all over the country with art classes

Emma Hunt, from Egremont, set up live classes every Sunday at 2pm after she found herself confined to her home, due to social distancing.

She said: “It’s an activity that has been really well received.

“I’m getting more viewers each week. There is a reach of 2,500.”

Emma said she gets a real buzz out of it when she sees the artwork that has been done and feedback from participants shows people are not only improving their skills, but benefitting by using art in a therapeutic way too.

Ages range from 11 to 70 and people taking part come from all over Cumbria and beyond.

Here are a few of the feedback comments:

* Irene Williams, 70, from Monmouthshire: “I enjoy relaxing, dabbling in painting so I clicked to join I’ve not worked in pastels much before so gave it ago. I found the tutorials really good and really enjoyed working with them. Hence look forward to Sunday now to learn something new.”

* Kirsten Thompson, 34, from Cockermouth: “The workshops (both face-to-face and online) mean a lot to me as it provides time to switch off from the stresses of day to day life. It helps you to relax and be mindful by immersing yourself in the picture you are creating and nothing else for the duration.”

“Emma is a great teacher and supports us all during the classes with easy tips and techniques, Emma is really helping me to bring out something I enjoyed from art classes during school, but thought it would be too difficult to do at home until now!

“I now look forward to creating my next picture and look at landscapes a little differently when out and about, as though they could be a great picture to try next. It’s positively addictive. I’m even attempting my own pieces now too.”

* Nicky Simmons, Windermere: “Emma is an inspiration. I have just discovered pastels as a new hobby. She has really helped me to progress.Her online courses during this time have been a lifeline for me too, something so positive to look forward to each week. I now have the confidence to try my own artwork.”

Ann Kretzschmar, 63, Lancaster: “I have lived in the shadow of my artist grandparents (my grandma was a watercolour artist and got a place at the Slade in 1908 but her Dad wouldn’t let her go) all my life.

I can’t draw but as this technique doesn’t involve drawing it suits me. I’m a computer modeller and spend a lot of time staring at screens so it’s nice to do something creative.

* Katie Greenough, 38, Cockermouth: “I have loved the online workshops and the guidance provided by Emma. It’s great to learn something new and it takes your mind off things.”

* Nigel Barton, 57, Carlisle: “I saw that the class was mentioned on Facebook and thought it would be a bit of fun. It was a great way to spend an hour in lockdown, pastels out and a glass of wine handy. The lesson was easy to follow and Emma is a lovely, easy going teacher, going at just the right speed. Picked up some great tips and will definitely be doing another class.”

* Pam Roelech, 70, Carlisle: “The workshops have given me inspiration, taken my mind of the present circumstances and my pain and helped develop my creativity further.

Margaret Shaw, 61, Kirkby Stephen: “I’ve enjoyed the Sunday afternoon sessions with Emma. An opportunity to connect to other arty people whilst my art group aren’t able to meet. Even though I’m experienced with pastels, there’s always something to learn. In particular how Emma incorporates light into her work. The sessions have also given me the idea of creating some free on line tutorials using only one pencil for anyone without lots of art supplies.”

Lesley Munro, 67, Egremont: “I had been hoping to attend Emma’s classes at The Gather which sadly had to be cancelled, so was delighted when she announced she would be running free live workshops online and extending them to anyone who would like to have a go; to join in or even just follow along to see how a painting progresses. I already had some pastels and a completely blank pad that I’d ‘never got round to using’ so it’s provided both an opportunity to reconnect with my art and to feel connected at the same time. The hour just whizzes by but is also very relaxing and I find absorption in something creative the perfect antidote to lockdown blues. On a more practical note Emma’s instructions are very clear and the inspirational source pictures broken down into easy to follow sections with hints and tips on blending and achieving life-like effects. Delighted with my efforts so far, they’ve exceeded anything I imagined I could achieve in a single short session, much appreciated Emma.

Lorraine Mary Alfaro, Cleator Moor: “I went to my first class with Emma after seeing her work and her personal story online. It was at The Gather café in Ennerdale. I had always loved art and never made the time to have a go myself. I loved having a go with pastels under Emma’s guidance and I was so pleased when during lockdown Emma started free tutorials on Sunday afternoons. They are so relaxing and therapeutic and take your mind off the difficult times we all find ourselves in the moment . I have really been inspired by Emma to have a go and see what I can create. She is a good teacher and has been incredibly generous sharing her time and talent.

Stacy Nyoro, 16, Egremont: “That was my first art work and I found it mesmerising how therapeutic it was. I found it calming and relaxing and it helped me focus my mind only on the colours I had to use.”

Karri Vincent, 11, Eaglesfield, Cockermouth: “While I have been doing Emma’s classes I have found them relaxing and they make me feel proud of what I have accomplished. I really enjoy creating different landscapes with pastels; I’m really glad my dad introduced me to Emma because now I have an everyday hobby that I really enjoy.”

Annette Law, 53, Manchester: “Classes have been a link back to my roots via the locations of your art work and an escape from the heartbreak of Covid and the worry of not being able to get back to the lakes to see my family due to the lockdown. It’s also been a great help with my mental wellbeing and I’ve also learned something new and reconnected with my creative side.”

Emma is also supporting the Unite Union fund to raise money for personal protective equipment by holding an online auction of four of her pastel artworks, worth around £150 each.

Details are on Emma’s facebook page at: Emma Hunt (Emma Hunt Artist).